GOLF Magazine Interview: Ben Hogan

Tiger-less, drama-scarce U.S. Open approaches record low ratings

Martin Kaymer captured his second major title with a wire-to-wire U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst No. 2.

Martin Kaymer and NBC both posted record low scores this weekend.

Whether it was Tiger Woods' absence or Martin Kaymer's wire-to-wire blowout win or a combination of the two, NBC posted dismal numbers in its final U.S. Open telecast from Pinehurst No. 2.

According to the Sports Business Daily (subscription required), the overnight rating for Sunday's final round -- in which Martin Kaymer cruised to an eight-stroke victory over Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton -- was 3.3, "which could likely end up being the lowest figure for a Sunday at the U.S. Open on record."

According to Austin Karp, assistant managing editor of the Sports Business Daily, that figure is down significantly from both Justin Rose's victory over Phil Mickelson last year and Rory Mcllroy's eight-stroke victory in 2011.

Not great comparison with Kaymer blowout win, but the 3.3 overnight this year is down 46% from Justin Rose win over Mickelson, Day in 2013